The Fullness of Time #228

Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

The time of Jesus’ birth was no accident. It was the plan of God that He would be born in the fullness of time. He came to set us free. The Gentiles were enslaved to the pagan practices of the day. The Jews were enslaved to the law. The Bible declares that true freedom was paid for by Jesus death and resurrection.

He was born of a woman. Although He was God in human flesh, He was equally God. His life began in a manger in Bethlehem. Mary gave birth to the Jewish Messiah who would bring salvation and freedom to all who believed. He was also born under the Law. As a Jewish child He was subject to the Law of Moses. He was required to live by its rules. The scripture compares the slavery under the law as a child born in a wealthy home and yet still treated as a slave until such time as the child reached maturity. At that time the child was given freedom from the guardian and became the heir of the Father.

So it is with Jesus. He was born of a woman, under the Law in order to redeem or pay for the slaves’ freedom. God sent Jesus to free you from the penalty of sin and the Law. As a result you are no longer in slavery; you are free to live as a child of God. Down in your heart you experience the freedom of abundant life.

It is your privilege to no longer be enslaved to rules and regulations set forth in the Law. You cannot live good enough to receive the status as a child of God through your efforts. You become a child who can cry out to God, “Abba.” That is an endearing term meaning Dad or Father. It is because His Spirit is now in our hearts by faith and grace that we are no longer a slave, but a child of God.

Your new relationship is a cause for rejoicing. What a privilege. Rejoice this day for your freedom and life, and your new relationship with God.                                                                                                                        

_________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Merry Christmas. It is less than two weeks until Christmas. I am sure you are as busy as the Wood family is right now. We are hoping that the new grandson, Justin Thomas comes home from the hospital to have Christmas with his family. We all are quite excited to see how Johnny reacts to a new little one at home. Johnny has already tried to crawl into the bassinet in Justin's room. 

The end of the semester always ends with choir and band concerts. All three older grandsons have concerts this week and next. Sandy and I enjoy attending them. We swell with pride at their abilities and accomplishments. Bennett, Burke, and Collin enjoy music and performing is in their blood. Collin was in his schools spelling bee. He was one of 12 finalists for the entire 6th and 7th grades. 

Our three children were all born in December: Susan December 1, Roger December 7, and Mandy December 19. We now have two grandsons born in December also: Justin December 3 and Collin December 28. We have been blessed. Party On!!

I was summoned for jury duty this past week. I was not chosen. I was very glad. The trial was to last three weeks and was a high profile case in the Phoenix area. Not sure I wanted to take my whole Christmas time to set in a jury box. 

I will be preaching at Crossroads Southern Baptist Church in Apache Junction, AZ on December 23rd: at Skyline Fellowship in Mesa, AZ on December 30th: Laveen Baptist Church in Laveen on January 6th: Quartzsite Southern Baptist Church in Quartzsite on January 27th. I praise God for the opportunity to share His Word. 

Sandy and I both will be teaching at Quartzsite January 20-27. She will be teaching Sunday School to the entire church on the 20th and the 27th. We will share each morning of the Campers on Mission project in Quartzsite the 20th-25th. Please pray for us. 

We had a great time on Saturday. My cousins, Derrill, Dotty, and Kathy came for a visit. We laughed and even cried a couple of times as we relived our childhood experiences. All of us grew up together and had so many wonderful memories to share.

I will receive my second injections of chemotherapy on January 17th. It is fairly easy. I have had minimal side effects. The purpose of this treatment is to treat the symptoms of Carcinoid Syndrome. It is not really a treatment for the cancer, but symptoms. I am grateful for the two medications I take that help symptoms of the cancer. I really appreciate your continued prayers. 

I praise God for His Goodness. So often we question God's goodness to us and forget all His blessings. In spite of the struggles we face God meets our needs. It is a miracle just to see God at work. At this time of year as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, let us also thank Him for the gift of life. He said it clearly, "I have come that you might have life and life more abundantly." John 10:10

God bless you all. May God bless you especially at this Christmas season with His peace.  ~  DGW